MATHS MENTOR
J Forsythe MTA, PGCE, ACA, BSc
Harpenden, Hertfordshire, UK
Professional Qualifications University of Hertfordshire, PGCE Secondary Mathematics. Chartered Accountant.
Professional Membership The Tutors’ Association. The Mathematical Association. The Association of Mathematics Teachers.
Education Bristol University, Joint Honours in Mathematics & Economics.
CAREER HISTORY
My career began in the accountancy profession successfully qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1989. Prior to commencing a PGCE at the University of Hertfordshire in 2008 my focus had been on caring for my sons now grown up. They have both graduated with degrees in Mathematics.
The PGCE training included two short placements at local schools; Beaumont, St. Albans and Sir John Lawes, Harpenden. Following completion of the PGCE, I took up the post of Mathematics teacher at Sherrardswood School, Welwyn Garden City, initially to cover maternity leave which turned into six years rewarding and enjoyable teaching. I taught GCSE throughout and A level in the last three years.
Since January 2016 I have been supporting students referred to me by recommendation. A mixture of GCSE(9-1), IGCSE, A-Level and Foundation. Over the last eight years, I have thoroughly enjoyed supporting students through the new GCSE and the last seven years, the new A level. Topics covered at A level include Pure, Mechanics, Statistics and Further Pure. I have even had the privilege to work with a nurse returning to work on Numeracy for nursing.
I am particularly keen to build good working relationships with my students, taking an interest in their needs, hobbies and ambitions. I will adopt whatever methods they need to develop their focus, can do approach and confidence, in particular using visual & kinaesthetic resources and examples adapted to the students interests where possible.
In September 2018 I became an Advanced Mathematics Support Programme (AMSP) associate. This has given me the opportunity to assist the area coordinator for Hertfordshire, Val Pritchard with her programme of events; a revision day for year 13 & local network meetings for teachers on reviewing A level papers & Maths resources.
During 2021/22 I thoroughly enjoyed supporting mentees with the UKMT monthly challenges as a UKMT mentor. The highlight of the year was attending the UKMT summer school 2022 as a staff member & presenting a session on the slide rule.